Mercury

This pack is provides all the features required for climbing, with the volume to hold equipment for the long haul. It contains one large main pocket, which can be accessed from the top and the side to maximize accessibility and prevent the black hole effect. It has an adjustable canting waiststrap for maximum comfort. The straps are highly adjustable so that it can fir most people. It includes a shovel pocket, a bungee cord, and dogpatches on the top and bottom, as well as adjustable ice ax loops with their velcro straps. There are also side velcro straps to carry straps in an a-frame, and pass behind mesh water bottle pockets so that skis can be carried at the same time as water bottles. Finally the nicest feature are the two side pockets that are located adjacent to the waist strap and are very handy for stashing that you my need on the trail without taking you pack off.

Good pack. Gone backpacking with it, but never taken it into an alpine situation, so I can't comment on any of that. The suspension is great, the load felt like nothing compared to other packs, the straps could stand a little more padding but i'm probably just picky. The front loading is very convinient, and the compression is awesome. love the side pockets. Wish it had a daisy chain and I had a hard time figuring out how to use the hydration. I left it out in the rain with no cover and everything inside stayed dry.

Very adjustable and very comfortable to carry. The easily accessed side pockets are very nice, as are the pass behind water bottle pockets. I jus wish it had a daisy chain but you can make do without on.